ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The
Cedar Crest College lacrosse team dominated Trinity Washington University with a decisive 20–1 victory on Wednesday night at the FalconPlex. The Falcons' offense was relentless, registering 31 shots on goal and securing 20 draw controls, while the Tigers managed only three shots on goal.
Cedar Crest opened the first quarter with momentum, establishing control early through first-year
Taylor Dotter's (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) draw control. Junior
Kadee Schrader (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) initiated scoring with a goal assisted by senior
Ellie Terranova (Wilmington, Del./Mount Pleasant). Junior
Jessica Shults (Staten Island, N.Y./New Dorp) added to the lead shortly thereafter. The Falcons' defense prevented Trinity Washington from capitalizing on their possessions, with failed clear attempts leading to turnovers.
Cedar Crest continued to build on its lead with goals from senior
Kylah Demarest (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) and first-year
Morgan Kreibick (Philadelphia, Pa./Franklin Towne Charter), each contributing to the growing advantage. The team's strong draw control was evident as they consistently regained possession, allowing sophomore
Angelina Plut (Blairstown, N.J./North Warren Regional), first-year
Trinity Burk (Baltimore, Md./Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts), and sophomore
Lizzy DeNunzio (Easton, Pa./Easton Area) to each find the back of the net, extending the lead further.
As the quarter concluded, the Falcons held a commanding position, closing the first quarter with a 7–0 lead, having successfully maintained defensive pressure and offensive efficacy throughout the frame.
Cedar Crest opened the second quarter with a strong defensive play, as Terranova secured the draw control. The home team's defense was effective, causing multiple turnovers, one notably by Demarest, which led to Terranova scoring the first goal of the period at 9:20.
The Falcons continued to dominate the quarter with
Brooke Leonardi (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) adding another goal at 6:50. This was followed by a well-executed play in which first-year
Kaitlyn Takacs (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) scored, assisted by Burk, at 5:40. DeNunzio then extended the lead with a goal assisted by Plut at 3:18.
The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest maintaining its momentum, as junior
Carly Piciullo (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) capitalized on a free position shot to score with 27 seconds remaining. The Falcons ended the second quarter leading 12–0.
Cedar Crest started the the third quarter by quickly gaining possession through Terranova's draw control. First-year
Audra Leiter (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) capitalized on this with a goal assisted by Demarest, setting the pace for the home team. The Falcons continued to control the game, as senior
Olivia Moyer (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas) and Kreibick each added goals, extending their lead.
The momentum stayed with Cedar Crest as Demarest and senior
Adriana Dias (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) each found the back of the net, further solidifying their advantage. Despite a late goal from Joy Chukwacha of Trinity Washington, the Falcons maintained a substantial lead. The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest ahead 17–1.
Dotter opened the fourth quarter with a goal for the Falcons at 13:17, assisted by Demarest, capitalizing on a free position opportunity secured by Terranova's draw control. Cedar Crest maintained its offensive momentum with another successful draw control by Terranova, though the team encountered turnovers and a clock violation midway through the quarter.
Terranova found the back of the net again at 7:54, with an assist from Leiter, extending Cedar Crest's commanding lead. A subsequent goal by Burk, assisted by Schrader, at 4:21, reinforced the team's dominant performance. Although the Falcons faced a couple of turnovers and a clock violation, it effectively thwarted the Tigers' advance, concluding the quarter ahead 20–1.
Demarest led Cedar Crest with two goals and three assists, contributing to five total points. DeNunzio added two goals and one assist, making her presence felt on the field. Burk also scored twice and provided two assists, further enhancing the team's offensive efforts.
Chukwacha was a standout player for Trinity Washington, recording the team's only goal in the match with two shots on goal and one unassisted goal. Andrea Montano contributed in a defensive capacity, making 11 saves against 38 shots faced. .
Cedar Crest (8-4 overall) will host St. Mary's College of Maryland for its conference opener on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. Trinity Washington University (0-2 overall) will next host Wilson College on Thursday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m.
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